Widening split in Europe on the virtue of austerity
But, said Mr Tilford, the eurozone "is going to crack unless ECB enters the picture soon." If the central bank really starts carrying out the lender of last resort function, then the crisis can still be reined in, he and others said. "If it's a game of chicken, then it's a very risky one ... If they are resisting becoming a lender of last resort, then the future of the eurozone is very much in doubt."